THE firearm pulled on the youth was a 1990s-designed Heckler and Koch G36 German assault weapon.

It has a range of 800 metres, a magazine of 30 rounds and can be fired on single shot or fully automatic. It is used by armies and police forces across the world, including in Australia, Brazil, Canada, across Europe and in the US. Officers using them typically work in pairs, directed by a third colleague.

Greater Manchester cut firearms officers from 157 to 47 earlier this year in a bid to save £2.7million annually.